I started collecting dinnerware when I was in Junior High. My
mother always set beautiful, elegant tables, and I wanted to move into my first
home and be able to do the same. The fact that this was going to be a lengthy
and expensive process never once occurred to me. The first set I collected was Fitz and Floyd “Coquilles.” For a young girl
who worked weekends behind the cosmetics counter at Famous-Barr (now Macy's), it took me a long time to get a full set. My mother always preached “service for twelve” so that’s what I got. By the time I did I had not only graduated
from High School, but college as well, and was two years into my first (ahem)
marriage, at which point the completer pieces and accessories were nowhere to
be found, replaced with the next exciting pattern.
I’ve learned many things over the years. First of all, if I can get a full set of anything I get service for four. If I’m feeling flush, I go crazy and get service
for eight. Period. I don’t have a table large enough to
comfortably seat twelve. Oh, I’ve done it all right, but not comfortably,
so eight services are really all I am ever going to need. Plus, over the years I have learned to layer
various patterns to get a multitude of results, and find that I really much
prefer this. (You’ll notice the F&F “Cape Town” pattern figured in here.)
So, in looking at these pictures of attractive place settings of dinnerware,
I hope there’s been a lesson learned. Never,
I tell you, NEVER buy service for twelve!
Dinnerware - Fitz
& Floyd “Coquilles” and “Cape Town”
Round Wicker
Placemats – Pier 1
Bamboo Flatware –
Crate & Barrel
Lobster S&P –
Stonewall Kitchen
Fish Pitcher – Gift,
years ago
Napkins – Pottery Barn
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